Who Won the Third Super Bowl? Jets' Historic Win

By Sarah Miller · October 7, 2034

The New York Jets won the third Super Bowl, defeating the Baltimore Colts 16-7 on January 12, 1969. This historic victory made Joe Namath the first quarterback to win a Super Bowl as an underdog, fulfilling his famous "guarantee."

Overview of Super Bowl III

Super Bowl III was a landmark event in American football history, marking the first time a team from the American Football League (AFL) defeated a National Football League (NFL) team. This game helped legitimize the AFL and accelerated the momentum toward the NFL-AFL merger.

Key Facts About Super Bowl III

Date: January 12, 1969
Location: Metropolitan Stadium, Bloomington, Minnesota
Final Score: New York Jets 16, Baltimore Colts 7
MVP: Joe Namath, Quarterback, New York Jets
Attendance: 63,607
Halftime Show: Bill Gallo's Cartoon Review
Broadcast Network: NBC
TV Viewers: Approximately 41.5 million

The Significance of the AFL-NFL Rivalry

Prior to Super Bowl III, the NFL was widely considered superior to the AFL. The first two Super Bowls saw NFL teams dominate, with the Green Bay Packers winning both. Many doubted the AFL could compete at the highest level.

Joe Namath’s bold guarantee that the Jets would win—and his follow-through—shifted public perception and proved the AFL could produce elite talent and strategy.

Why This Game Changed Football

Validated the AFL as a competitive league
Spurred confidence in future AFL players and coaches
Increased television interest and ratings for AFL games
Strengthened negotiations for the full NFL-AFL merger in 1970
Elevated the profile of the Super Bowl as a national spectacle

Game Highlights and Key Plays

The Jets employed a conservative but effective offensive strategy, relying on ball control and minimizing mistakes. Their defense held the heavily favored Colts to just one touchdown.

Turning Points in the Game

Joe Namath completed 17 of 28 passes for 206 yards with no interceptions
Don Maynard caught a 14-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter
Jim Turner kicked two field goals (31 and 29 yards)
Emerson Boozer rushed for 49 yards and controlled clock effectively
The Jets’ defense stifled Colts QB Earl Morrall, forcing four turnovers

Statistic	New York Jets	Baltimore Colts
First Downs	20	14
Total Yards	331	240
Passing Yards	266	210
Rushing Yards	65	30
Turnovers	1	4
Penalties	6 (50 yards)	8 (76 yards)
Time of Possession	37:56	22:04

Table data source:1, 2

The table above shows the Jets dominated time of possession and forced critical turnovers. Their ability to sustain drives limited the Colts' offense and kept their explosive weapons off the field.

Despite modest rushing numbers, the Jets' efficient passing game and low turnover rate were decisive advantages.

Legacy of Joe Namath and the Jets' Victory

Joe Namath’s performance cemented his status as one of football’s most charismatic and confident leaders. His "guarantee" remains one of the most iconic moments in sports history.

The win also elevated the reputation of head coach Weeb Ewbank, who became the only coach to win championships in both the NFL and AFL.

Cultural Impact

Namath appeared on the cover of SPORT Magazine and later became a pop culture icon
The victory boosted morale across the AFL and changed media narratives
It laid the foundation for modern NFL parity and competitive balance
The game is frequently ranked among the greatest upsets in sports history

Frequently Asked Questions About Super Bowl III

Who was named MVP of Super Bowl III?

Joe Namath, quarterback of the New York Jets, was named Super Bowl MVP. He threw for 206 yards with no interceptions and led a methodical offense that controlled the tempo against the Colts.

What was Joe Namath’s guarantee?

Days before the game, Namath publicly guaranteed that the Jets would defeat the heavily favored Colts. His confidence defied oddsmakers and critics, making the win one of the most memorable in sports lore.

What were the betting odds for Super Bowl III?

The Baltimore Colts were 18-point favorites over the New York Jets, reflecting widespread belief in NFL superiority. The Jets’ victory as underdogs remains one of the largest upsets in Super Bowl history.

Where was Super Bowl III played?

Super Bowl III was held at Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington, Minnesota, the former home of the Minnesota Vikings. The stadium was demolished in 1985.

How did Super Bowl III affect the NFL-AFL merger?

The Jets’ victory demonstrated the AFL’s competitiveness, helping justify the full merger of the leagues in 1970. It gave the AFL credibility in negotiations and ensured equal integration into the new NFL structure.

Conclusion

Super Bowl III was more than just a championship game—it was a turning point in professional football. The New York Jets' 16-7 win over the Baltimore Colts validated the AFL, fulfilled Joe Namath’s legendary guarantee, and reshaped the future of the NFL. With dominant stats, strategic execution, and cultural impact, this game remains one of the most significant in sports history.